The liver is known as “Yakrit” in Ayurveda. Liver is the largest organ of metabolism. Yakrit is considered to be seat of fire this is so because liver is linked to Pitta dosha, which is responsible for digestion. Apart from this pitta also channels all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body. It also aids in thermal regulation, digestion, visual perception, hunger, thirst and complexion. Ayurveda also links pitta to emotions such as understanding, comprehension, courage, and will power. Pitta dosha has five subtypes: Sadhaka Pitta, Alochaka Pitta, Bhrajaka Pitta, Pachaka Pitta, and Ranjaka Pitta. Out of these 5, Pachaka Pitta and Ranjaka Pitta are located in liver. Liver is also associated with emotions like jealousy, anger, irritability, will power and courage according to Ayurveda.
Liver Diseases
When there is vitiation of pachaka pitta due to dosha dushya samurchana Ranjaka Pitta situated in liver becomes deranged and does not get its nourishment this invariably results in liver diseases. .In other words all liver diseases occurs due to imbalance of Pachaka Pitta, which results in imbalance of Ranjaka Pitta.
Now apart from vitiation of pitta, there is vitiation of Vata as well particularly Vyan Vayu, This results in srothorodha of Raktavaha srotas as a result, pitta does not reach Grahini but in turn gets circulated all over the body via ras rakta dhatus.
Vitiation of Rajaka Pitta thus can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mononucleosis. Yakrit Vriddhi(enlargement) , yakrit vidradhi (abscess) are also mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In case of Kaamala (Jaundice) there is vimargagamana of Ranjaka Pitta into raktha vaha srothas.
All posts by Dr Rajesh Nair
Liver diseases- Ayurveda concept
Jaundice- Ayurveda concept
Ayurveda describes kaamala or Jaundice as one of the major diseases of yakrit or liver.
Pathogenesis
When a person indulges on diet which increases pitta, like excessive alcohol intake, heavy, oily, and spicy food, pitta becomes aggravated and results in disease of blood, muscle tissue, biliary system and liver. These then manifest as kaamala or jaundice. It is also mentioned in the texts that if a person is anemic he is more prone to kaamala.
Symptoms
Yellowish discolouration of the eyes, nails, skin, and oral cavity.
Yellowish/reddish discolouration of faeces and urine.
Generalized weakness
Burning sensation
Loss of appetite and taste
Vague body pains
Weakness in all sensory organs and emaciation
There are different types of Kaamala described in Ayurveda
Shakasritha: There is only mild aggravation of pitta and vata in this type of Kaamala and this can be cured relatively easily.
Kumbha Kaamala: If not treated Kaamala in due course turns into Kumbha Kaamala and becomes difficult to treat.
Panaki: This is considered to be late/advanced stage of Kaamala.
Haleemaka: This is an advanced stage of pandu roga (anemia). This occurs when both vata and pitta are vitiated. The disease is manifested with greenish-yellow discolouration, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, body ache, burning sensation, loss of taste and dizziness.
Jaundice and Liver diseases- Ayurvedic diet
The diet for Jaundice and Liver diseases should aim to balance pitta dosha.
Inclusion Diet
As pitta will be elevated, diet should include those which help in cooling.
As there is imbalance of agni diet should be an easy to digest one.
Most fresh fruits are acceptable but exclude acid forming fruits.
Eat vegetable raw or steamed with slight ghee to help the agni to burn evenly.
Most grains are acceptable, cooling leaves such as coriander and spices like cumin will provide added advantage.
Cardamom, cilantro, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, mint, saffron, and tumeric aids.
Sweet and bitter vegetables are preferable so is sweet and ripe fruits.
Go for the boiled & spice less diet with lots of vegetables like radish leaves, tomato etc.
Dried dates with almonds & Cardamoms are useful.
Have plenty of sugarcane juice, orange juice, and barley water.
Exclusion Diet
Oily foods, fried foods, and excess spices should be avoided at all cost.
Avoid salted nuts and fries.
Diary and heavy meat not to be consumed.
Do not eat late at night and avoid irregular eating habits.
Also avoid afternoon sleeping, exposure to hot sun, exertion, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and smoking.
Meals should be eaten slowly and calmly with an attitude of reverence and gratitude.
Jaundice and liver disease management with Ayurvedic medicines
Treatment of all liver diseases in Ayurveda concentrates on Pitta dosha rather than the organ itself. All liver diseases has imbalance of pitta and agni. Apart from this ojus is also affected. As liver is the basis of Pachaka Pitta, all diseases of liver can be treated concomitantly by treating Pachaka Pitta. Liver is also an organ of fire, All Bhuta-Agnis: Nabhasa Agni, Vayavya Agni, Tejo Agni, Apo Agni, and Parthiva Agni are situated here. These agnis and Ranchaka pitta originating in the liver serve to break down substances into their respective elemental factors ( akasham, vayu, thejus, ap, and prithvi) and distribute them to the appropriate tissues or dhatus in the body.
Bearing all these in mind, an ayurvedic physician treats liver diseases considering them as pitha rogas (diseases manifested through the vitiation of pitha). The medicines and diets that alleviate pitha are commonly used for all types of liver diseases.
The herbs that are effective for treating liver disorders are:
Bhumyamalaki , Bhringaraj , Turmeric , Guduchi , Haritaki , Kalmegha , Kutki ,Musta , Pippali , Punarnava , and Licorice.
Panchakarma has been proven of good help. Rasayana therapies after panchakarma should include pippali. Apart from these Pippalyadi choornam, pippali vardhamana yogam, pippalichitraka gritham, pippali gritham, chitraka gritham, rohitha gritham and maharohita gritham can be used with good efficacy.
For Kaamala and Pandu, snehanam with Kalyanaka Gritham, Panchagavyam, or Mahathiktakam is preferred. Thereafter proper Virechana should be done. Triphala, amruth, etc should be used daily with honey.
Yoga for Hepatic disease
A yogasana aims to attain a sustained and comfortable sitting posture to facilitate meditation. They also have wide range of therapeutic use. Meditation helps to calm the mind. Yoga also helps to cultivate Sattva and Ojas which is critical for a positive mind frame and healing process.
Asanas most helpful in hepatic conditions are vajraasana, shalabhasana, halasana, padahastasana, abdomen lift and stomach lift.
Apart from the above Ardha Navasana works on liver, gall-bladder and spleen and helps to strengthen abdominal muscles. Sarvangasana works on glands and inner organs, especially heart and liver. Halasana stimulates stomach, spleen, small intestines, heart, liver, gall bladder, & kidney. Paschimothasana aids in condition of enlarged liver and spleen. Salabhasana stimulates pranic flow in the lung, stomach, spleen, heart, liver, small intestine, pericardium, & bladder meridians, increase digestive fire, and maximizes use of all nutrients, produce body heat. Dhanurasana helps to restore energy, vigor, youthful vitality, stimulates lung, small intestine, stomach, liver, & urinary bladder meridians.
In addition to these Ardha matsyendrasana, Mayurasana Trikonasana , and shavasana , also assist in hepatic conditions.
Care should be taken while performing Yoga and should be done only at morning or evening. Pranayama helps in all disease conditions. Chanting of manthra and meditation in a quiet place is important to heal different emotions associated with liver. Nature walk and gazing at moon also helps to balance pitta.
To buy medicines for Jaundice click here
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Asthma – Ayurveda Medicines
Concept of Asthma in Ayurveda
According to the ancient Ayurvedic Science, Asthma is known as ‘ Swas Roga’ “and is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial airways leading to increased mucus production. In the preliminary stage of asthma the patient may complain of indigestion, constipation and tightness in the chest, later it leads to sneezing, coughing and wheezing, indicating the attempt of the body to remove the congested phlegm that has blocked the respiratory passages from the nose to the lungs.
According to ayurveda, allergy is not the primary cause of the disease, the primary causes are wrong food habits, mental strain and bad weather. Allergic factors are only secondary causes which precipitate the disease.
The main Doshas (humors) involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma are Vata (air) and Kapha (water).The vitiated ‘Pranvayu’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the ‘Pranavaha srotasa'(Respiratory passage). This results in gasping and laboured breathing. This condition is known as ‘Swas Roga’ and its five types are
1]Maha-shwas
2]Urdhva-shwas
3]Chinna-shwas
4]Tamak-shwas
5]Kshudra-shwas
Among these five types first three are not curable. ‘Tamak-shwas is ‘yapya'(Controllable) and is difficult to cure. The last one is curable. More than 75% of the cases belong to last two categories.
Ayurveda states that asthma is influenced by the following factors
a)Adi-bala-pravritta:- Defect in the spermatozoon or the ovum of the respective parents (Genetic inheritance)
b) Dosha-bala-pravritta:- That which is originated due to improper diet, unhealthy habits,those which originates from the stomach or intestines.
c) Kala-bala-pravritta:- This is a seasonal type, produced by the variation in the atmospheric temperature or humidity.
d) Daiya-bala-parvritta:- This is a providential type. Brought about by malignant influence such as infection, allergens and emotional stress.
e) Swabhava-bala-pravritta:- The natural type that which comes with old age. Bronchial asthma is therefore caused by genetic factor, improper digestion and diet, environmental stress in the form of allergens and weather changes.
According to ayurveda, an individual’s body is composed of seven categories of tissue elements and the functions of the entire body are regulated by three factors called vayu, pitta and kapha. These three factors taken together are called tri doshas. According to Ayurveda increased in kapha dosha in the stomach is the underlying cause of asthma. Imbalance of these doshas due to various reasons such as wrong diet, regimens, medicines and psychic factors leads to diseases. In order to transport nourishment from the intestines to the tissues and the excretion of waste products from these tissues to different exterior openings such as the rectum, the urinary bladder and sweat glands, there are millions of channels. These channels are called srotas. A disease may be manifested in a particular organ of the’ body but it is not necessary for it to originate from the same organ.
Ayurveda distinctively conceives of three different parts of this pathogenic process namely (i) the site of origin, (ii) the channel of circulation, and (iii) the site of manifestation of the disease. In the case asthma, the site of origin is the
stomach and the intestines. The root cause of the disease is basically located there. The pathogenic substances for the manifestation of the diseases originate from these places.They are carried, according to ayurveda, through a group of channels called rasavaha srotas. It is the weakest point in the body which has an affinity to the type of morbidity already created in the stomach that is affected by this process. If the tissues of the lungs, musculature of the bronchial tube and the mucous membrane lining these tubes are weak, then, they get affected. Thus, according to ayurveda, the site of origin of bronchial asthma is the stomach and the intestines. The channels of circulation of the waste products of the body are rasavaha srotas, that is, channels carrying plasma, and the site of manifestation of the disease are the lungs.
In a nutshell Due to increased Kaph dosha, Strotorodh in Pranvaha Strotas (blockage in the respiratory systems), natural direction of the Vata is blocked and this blocked Vata dosha is reversely directed (Pratilom Vayu). Due to Vata dosha dryness is increased and natural lubrication is disturbed hence causes the difficulty in breathing. Breathing becomes stressful and patient feels difficulty in natural process of breathing, and according to ayurveda treatment can be done in two major types. One type is Shaman Chikitsa in which disease causing factors (doshas) are suppressed, and the other type is Shodhan Chikitsha in which doshas are removed from the body.
According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, Asthma – an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or more allergens and its seat of manifestation is the lungs.
Natural Herbal Dietary Supplement for ASTHMA :
A) Haleezy tablet: It is a patenented medicine from Charak pharmaceuticals, Mumbai.
B) Kasturikalparasayan: It contains musk, cinamom, cardomom, Cuminum cyminum, mriganavi, Cyparus rat, jaggery, ajawan, clovea, ginger, anisi and purified water.
Dose & direction for use: Adults- Two teaspoonful with hotwater ever one hour.
Pankaja Kasthuri is a formulation of Indian and Chinese herbs which build long-term natural immunity to allergens as well as reduce inflammation and constriction, prevent edema, and dilate the airways.
C) Pushkaramula rasayana is in the form of a “food jam” consisting of herbs and spices in a base of honey, rice syrup and ghee is best for Asthma patients.
Made from the herb Elecampane (Inula spp. root) plus 21 decongestant, expectorant, demulcent, tonic, and rejuvenative ayurveda herbs in a base of honey.
Herbal extracts of: Elecampane root (Inula helenium), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Mullein herb (Verbascum thapsus), Licorice root (Glychyrrhiza glabra), Yerba Santa herb (Eriodictyon glutinosum), Amalaki fruit (Emblica officinalis), Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Shilajit (natural Asphaltum), Tulasi (Ocimum santicum), Ajwan (Apium graveolens),
Powdered herbs of: Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum), Manna (Vamsha rochana), Ginger root (Zingiber officinale), Clove buds (Caryophyllus aromaticus), Cardamom seed (Elettaria cardamomum), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa), Bhibitaki fruit (Beleric myrobalan), Myrrh (Commiphora molmol),
Smoking herbs such as mullein, yerba santa, thyme, clove, bayberry, ajwan, and sage in a water pipe is a very effective treatment as well.
General Ways in Ayurveda to cure Asthama
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system which is an effective way of preventing asthma which is characterized by sudden attacks of short gasping breaths along with wheezing. Its Preventive measures include :
a) Panchakarma :
It is a purification therapy which is done as preventive treatment for those who are prone to asthmatic attacks and mainly include steam fomentation and oil massage.
b) Diet
Restrict the intake of foods that can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate the condition such as all dairy products except a little ghee
Avoid all foods containing sugar such as pastries and candies
Avoid all cold foods and drinks straight from the refrigerator or freezer
Limit the intake of quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Intake liberal amount of alkali-forming foods – fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains.
Avoid difficult-to-digest foods – strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.
c) Life Style :
Avoid excess humidity
Avoid exposure to dust, fumes.
Avoid areas with high pollen concentrations.
Live in a well-ventilated rooms with little or no electronic equipment are desirable.
Smoke herbs in a water pipe such as mullein, yerba santa, thyme, clove, bayberry, ajwan and sage.
d) Yoga :
Pranayama (breathing exercises) is very helpful to help open up and clear the breathing passages. Daily three rounds of quick breathing (cleaning) exercise (Kapalabhati). 10-20 minutes of Alternate Nose Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) following 4:8:6 rythm. 10 rounds of Humming Breath or Nasal Snoring exercise (Bhramari).
Integrate deep abdominal breathing as a part daily life. This is very helpful as it improves the lung capacity and hence greater intake of oxygen.
Effective Asanas to help relieve asthma by expanding the lungs and opening up the chest cavity are the Bow (Dhanurasana), Cobra (Bhujangasana), sitting on heels (Vajrasana) and inverted positions such as Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)and Plough (Halasana).
Last but not least meditation, Deep Relaxation exercises, positive thinking, upbeat attitude towards life is very helpful to manage stress in daily life and hence prevent attacks.
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Pathanjali- Father of yoga
Maharishi Pathanjali, the founder and Father of yoga is said to be a great sage, master avatar, great philosopher, physician, grammarian. In one of his best work “Yoga Sutras” (aphorisms) compiled various aspects of Yoga and is still considered to serve as the basis of yogic techniques.
Maharishi Pathanjali hailed from the district of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh in India, somewhere between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D Maharishi compiled 195 sutras, which serve as a framework for integrating Yoga into the daily routine and leading an ethical life.
His 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body.
According to Patanjali, within the human body there are channels called Nadi & centres called chakra. If these channels & centres are tapped, energy hidden in the body can be released. This energy is called kundalini. He prescribed the control of life breath as the means to control the body, mind and soul leading to good health and inner happiness.
He advocated eight-fold path of Yoga, known as “Ashtanga Yoga” for the all-round development of the human personality through the following disciplines :
1.Yama – following non-violence and truth.
2.Niyama – development of personal conduct and behaviour of man.
3.Asana – practice of physical postures.
4.Pranayama – control of breath.
5.Pratyahara – control of our senses from exterior objects.
6.Dharana – concentration.
7.Dhyana – meditation. It is a higher level of concentration
8.Samadhi : or super consciousness is a higher level of meditation. It helps in attaining self-realization, which is the ultimate aim of Yoga.
Other discipline touching different aspects of human life includes Hathyoga (physical exercise), Gyanayoga or Dhyana yoga (exercise for the mind & intellect), Karmayoga (disciplined action in daily life)
Other works of the Sage are Naatiya Sastra and Varma Kalai. Maharishi Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.
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Ayurveda Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine
an ancient Indian healing system is right in sync with our growing awareness of the mind-body connection and places equal emphasis on body, mind, and spirit and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual.
CONCEPT :
The basic concept of Ayurvedic medicine is that the body is seen as a microcosmic universe in which the five primordial elements (panchamahabhutas) – ether (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jala) and earth (prithvi) – combine to form three humours (doshas), known as wind (vata), choler (pitta) and phlegm (kapha). It’s believed each dosha has its own qualities and functions in relation to the body.
The balance between these doshas determines individual constitution (prakriti) and predisposition to disease. Constitution is also affected by the strength of a person’s ‘digestive fire’ (agni) and bowel function (kostha).Seven tissues (dhatus) and their waste products (malas) make up the physical body and a network of channels circulate fluids and essences around the body. Three interdependent universal constituents, the three gunas – purity (sattva), activity (rajas) and solidity (tamas) – also influence health and determine mental qualities.
Disease occurs if lifestyle, mental or external factors cause an imbalance in one or more of these components. Ayurvedic medicine treats the majority of its patients using herbal mixtures, other organic food and substances that have been clinically tested and are now being scientifically validated..
UNIQUENESS :
Its uniqueness lies in its treatment plan which is tailored to the body type and individual imbalances among the vata, pitta, and kapha within and include dietary changes, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, herbal tonics, herbal sweat baths, medicated enemas, and medicated inhalations.
Ayurvedic medicine gets rid the body of its indigestible toxins which attract viruses and compromise autoimmune processes and responses. Ayurvedic physicians pay close attention to pulse, tongue, eyes, and nails in diagnosing illness. Diagnosis is based on observation rather than laboratory testing. The doctor enquires the patient about his health and family histories. In addition, he may palpate the body, or listen to the heart, lungs, and intestines with a stethoscope. He use urine samples and the pulse to describe the balance (or imbalance) of the three doshas. Ayurvedic treatment then consists of cleansing and detoxification (Shodan or Pancha Karma), palliation (Shaman) to balance and relax the three doshas, rejuvenation (Rasayana), and mental hygiene and spiritual healing (Satvajaya)
PRESENT STATUS :
At present the Ayurveda medicine is well set to re-orient itself to modern scientific parameters. Simultaneously, it is well poised for much greater, effective utilization to benefit the whole humanity to reach its goals of Health. Ayurveda medicine which started as a magico-religious practice, matured into a fully developed medical science with eight branches which have parallels in the modern western system of medicine and it has developed into following sixteen specialities
1. Ayurveda Siddhanta (Fundamental Principals of Ayurveda).
2. Ayurveda Samhita.
3. Rachna Sharira (Anatomy).
4. Kriya Sharira (Physiology).
5. Dravya Guna Vigian (Materia Medica & Pharmacology).
6. Ras-shastra.
7. Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmaceuticals).
8. Kaumar Bharitya (Peduatrics).
9. Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics & Gynaecology).
10. Swasth-Vritla (Social & Preventive Medicine).
11. Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine).
12. Rog Nidan (Pathology).
13. Shalya Tantra (Surgery
14. Shalkya Tantra (Eye & ENT).
15. Mano-Roga (Psychiatry)
16. Panchkarma.
PREPARATION:
The main part of Ayurveda Medicine is Herbal Tonics or Rasayanas which are prepared according to the Vedic traditional standards practiced in ancient times. They are made of only 100% natural ingredients, using only the best of the Ayurveda and Western herbs and spices, ghee (purified butter), raw honey, dried fruits, Sucanat (unprocessed sugar) and natural flavors. They are prepared by hand (the old custom), using utensils of copper, iron and clay. Being highly nutritious and antioxidant they provide many elements which are lacking in the modern diet. formulated with the intention of bringing back into balance one or more of the five elements, which get put out of balance from improper diet etc. In return this promotes balance on the physical, mental and subtle levels of our being which will add life to our years as well as years to your life.
Ayurveda medicine does not believe in trying to kill viruses in the body with powerful chemicals, but believes in assisting the bodies own healing energies with the proper harmonizing herbs and the ideal individual diet. This way the immune system will work the way nature intended it to.
Ayurveda and Herbal Medicines
Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine, eradicates the cause of any ailments at its root level and aims at preventng it from reoccurring in future. It operates on the following concept :
a) Individual constitution (prakriti) is made of unique combination of three doshas pitta, vata and kapha.
b) Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats that are taken by us, are being bio transformed by kaya (agni) to an energy, that is being used by our cells present in our body.
c) Consitution is also governed by kostha which is bowel function.
c) It believes that the physical body and a network of channels that circulate fluids around the body is made up of dhatus (seven tissues) and their malas (waste products).
d) Apart from all the above, the three gunas viz – purity (sattva), activity (rajas) and solidity (tamas) also plays an important role in mental and physical health of an individual.
In this stress filled modern era, everybody leads an improper lifestyle and consumes an unwholesome diet, by which an imbalance in one or more of the above mentioned components occurs thereby creating body ailments.
**Naturally grown herbs are pure and has an innate power of nature in it and cures the chronic ailments by providing balance to the body. It believes that vegetables, animals, mineral origins, metals have some medicinal value. Ayurvedic medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs with alone or in mixture of above and they are purified before being used.
** Ayurvedic medicines which is prepared based on the natural ingredients like plants, animals, metals, minerals ensures a physical and mental health and has not side effect at all.
** It is non toxic and non invasive and can be used safely as an alternative alongside of the other conventional therapy.
** Rasayanas improves the metabolic activites and provides one with an improved memory power, strong body, a glowing skin, youthfulness etc.,
** Basically it aims at preserving and promoting health and curing diseases. It treats all types of ailments like stress, metabolic related or chronic conditions.
** There are evidences where it has treated nervous disorders, skin problems, ulcers, acne, allergies, asthma, diabetes, hypertension etc. It has also helped in fighting insomnia and depression.
World Health organization has accepted Ayurvedic medicines, known as herbal medicines, as an alternative medicine, whose raw materials are taken from plant, minerals, animal sources. It is now a statutory, and a recognised medical system of health care in many countries like India. Present generation has accepted the Ayurvedic medicine as a way of life, they find it more transparent in its concept and results.
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Yoga for Arthritis
Arthritis is decalcification and demineralization of the bones and the patient suffer from a lack of moisture in the connective tissues. Arthritis patients often gain greater mobility of the joints, relief from pain and a reduction in inflammation by practicing yoga which helps in increasing the fluid to the joints and muscles.
Simple asana movements help increase the circulation in the joints and limbs. Slow, steady and controlled movements are recommended. The gentle stretching and strengthening movements of the asanas improve the flow of blood to the joints and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the joints. Yoga poses can be tailored for different joints.
Seated Poses – Easy Pose (Sukhasana), Supine Poses – Single Leg Raises, Warm-Up Poses – Shoulder Stretches, Warm-Up Poses – Neck Exercises, Standing Poses – Standing Side Stretch Pose, Seated Poses – Hand Clenching are the few asanas recommended for arthritis.
Simple Pranayama is also recommended, which involves deep breathing, special type of Pranayama with Inhalation via right nostril and exhalation via both nostrils but creating a sound of Hmm. (Honey bee Sound) from the throat is found to be very effective in Arthritis patients. Yogic breathing techniques improve respiration, relieve emotional tension (caused by intense pain) and flood the body and brain with a fresh supply of oxygen. This practice induces relaxation improves the sleep pattern and energy flow, resulting in less suffering for the patient.
Simple Meditation if done for five minutes or more and it is of immense benefit to arthritis patient. For meditation one has to sit straight in Sidhhasana or Sukhasana or even on chair, close the eyes, concentrate on slowly long, breathing in and exhaling and after that with the same procedure concentrate on your forehead between the eyebrows..
Arthritis does not have to be a disability; by practicing a few gentle exercises, breathing, and meditation every day, you can reduce pain, build your strength, and maintain your daily activities with health and renewed energy.
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Yoga in Pregnancy
Yoga, an ancient tradition of holistic health, is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy, to align body optimally for healthy carriage and natural delivery of baby. It promotes a tranquil state of mind which is very important for the health of the mother and the baby.
Yoga asanas along with breathing and relaxation techniques during pregnancy and labor
a).Relieves fluid retention which can be common in the last months.
b).Influences the position of the baby and turning it in advance if need.
c).Strengthening and massaging the abdomen helps stimulating bowel action and appetite.
d).Raises the level of energy and helps in slowing down the metabolism to restore focus.
e).Helps in reducing morning sickness, nausea and mood swings.
f).Relieves tension around cervix and birth canal.
g).Focuses on opening the pelvis to make labor easier and quicker.
h).It helps in postal natal care. I.e., it restores the uterus, abdomen and pelvic floor
i).Also it relieves upper back tension and breast discomfort after delivery.
j).It restores body shape after childbirth.
Yoga has 5 vital tools which aids a woman in having smooth journey during pregnancy
1) Yoga Exercises – These work on the reproductive organs and pelvis to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a relatively easy childbirth. At subtle level, these ensure optimum supply of blood and nutrients to the developing foetus.
2) Breathing or Pranayama – Works on fitness during pregnancy. These powerful techniques ensure abundant supply of oxygen and a better life force for mother and child.
3) Mudras and Bandhas – The psycho-physical stimulation of these gestures and locks have powerful effects on a woman’s reproductive organs.
4) Meditation – As a therapeutic tool, meditation will helps to resolve the deepest of neuroses, fears and conflicts, which are so common during pregnancy. It brings with it an incredible awareness which helps mother connect with her child in a way that is impossible to explain.
5) Deep Relaxation – Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep) is particularly effective during pregnancy for physical and mental relaxation as well as for childbirth preparation
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Yoga for stress relief
Yoga is a Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language) word which means union of the mind, body and soul. It is an exercise in self-discipline which combines postures with breathing techniques and meditation. When regulary practised it strengthens nervous system, takes one to a deep state of relaxation and tranquility thereby helping people to face stressful situations more positively.
The postures stretch limbs and exercises soothe muscles, organs and nervous system while the breathing technique helps to focus and relax at the same time and meditation ensures an overall feeling of well being resulting in a better management of stress.
The principle of yoga is that essential thoughts and messages are delivered more effectively when the body is relaxed and the brain is well-oxygenated, helping the body and mind to work more successfully while feeling less tired and less stressed.
Three main components of Yoga are Asanas, Pranayama and Dhyana
Asanas (Postures) :Natural unblocking effected by yoga postures are helpful to relieve stress out of the individuals who carry a great deal of physical tension in their bodies. It is a form of a slow exercise together with a controlled breathing exercise which promotes a relaxed feeling or eases stress. Savasana, Makarasana, Balasana are few asanas to be practiced to relieve stress
Prayanama (A breathing technique) : In this technique an individual do slow and steady breathing – like inhaling through his one nostril and exhaling through other. Besides there are fast breathing movements like intake of air through nostrils and exhaling through mouth at fast pace, this way air is passed properly through blood capillaries and the person feels himself in light mode and he feels that there is no burden over their mind and soul.
Dhyana (Meditation) :
A person sits in a posture usually in relaxing mode and concentrate his mind over one point with eyes closed. The mind is concentrated up to an extent when an individual feels that he has no interaction with the surroundings, in fact the mind reaches in a neutral stage thereby relieving mental exhaustion. Meditation restores the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair itself, and preventing damage due to the physical effects of stress.
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Yoga for infertility
Originated in India, Yoga is a centuries-old system of exercise and relaxation, in which a series of different postures are designed to tone and strengthen all areas of body and is now used by couples in order to increase their fertility.
Fertility yoga is a specific branch of yoga, where certain yoga poses are championed for helping with infertility as they open up pelvis and hip joints, increase blood flow to pelvis and rebalance hormones. Some poses even claim to help to stimulate ovaries.
To alleviate stress about trying to conceive, the cycle of fertility is to be mapped. When entering a fertile time, restorative poses are to be practiced, which leads to softening the abdominal area and removing tension from around the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries thereby increasing chances of pregnancy.
The practice of several asanas that aids in conception are
Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand), Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Suppported Bridge Pose) are recommended because of their hypothesized effects on hormonal balance. The reclining poses like Bound Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose), Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose) are helpful as they open and elongate the abdominal area.
To overcome infertility it is advisable to focus on gentler forms of yoga like
Hatha Yoga – which focuses on performing postures using the appropriate form and encourages breathing and meditation.
Kripalu Yoga – which helps to increase awareness of the mind, body, and spirit through a series of easy to perform postures.
Couples’ Yoga – As postures are performed with the help of a partner, it works to bring couples together, improving communication and interconnectivity.
Benefits of fertility Yogic practices can be citied as
Physical Benefits :
Tone and strengthen muscles that support the reproductive organs.
Improves the total alignment of body.
Increase energy and stamina.
Increase blood circulation, allowing vital nutrients and oxygen to reach the reproductive system.
Mental Benefits :
Reduced Stress that regulates the menstrual cycle.
Improved Relationships which alleviates the emotional stress of timed intercourse and introduce more passion into sexual relations.
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Yoga for beauty care
Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care revealed to the rishis of India thousands of years ago, leads to positive health, natural beauty and long life. It emphasizes on the power of yoga by customizing asanas and poses according to individual’s body type and ailments thereby opening up the possibilities of enhancing natural radiance through integration of practices for inner peace.
Yoga involves vertical, horizontal, and cyclical movements, which provide energy to the system by directing the blood supply to the areas of the body which needs it most. The improved blood circulation and hormone balance makes the inner physical system immaculate and the postures/various physical exercises of yoga provide shape to the external body.
Yoga lends the skin a healthy glow by balancing the hormones and boosting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to our skin. This keeps the skin resilient and prevents dryness and excessive sagging.
Yogic practices bring beauty of figure, graceful carriage, melodious voice, glowing face and charming smile. Asanas such as Paschimotannasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Dhanurasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana and Ardha Matsyendrasana helps to sculpt our body.
Below mentioned are some of the benefits achieved through different yogic practices :
A smooth and a soft skin – Facial skin becomes soft, wrinkle free, and starts glowing with radiance. The black circles under the eyes vanish and the cheeks become pink. The face is filled with a magnetic attraction.
A long shapely neck – A corpulent neck can be given a beautiful shape and all the wrinkles on it shall disappear.
Well formed breasts – The breasts are moulded into an attractive shape.
A flat, fat free stomach – The extra fat of the stomach gets dissolved. Women who have gained weight due to over-eating and pregnancy are highly benefited.
A slim and curved waist – The waist of a woman should be slim & free from excess fat, all her beauty seems to be in vain, through a particular type of asana the waist is given an attractive shape.
A well proportioned thighs – The thighs should neither be too fat and nor should they be too slim. The thighs gain a well proportioned shape.
Anti-Ageing – Yoga helps in slowing down the aging process by providing elasticity to the spine, firming up the skin, strengthening the abdominal muscles, eliminating the likelihood of a double chin, improving the quality of loose arm muscles etc.. The inverted Yoga postures often convert gray hair back to its natural color, delaying the onset of gray hair, thereby making a person look younger.